Tony Cousins is the new manager at Galway United after agreeing a two-and-a-half year deal with the First Division side.

The 36-year-old leaves Drogheda United where he had been assistant to Paul Doolin for the last season and a half.

A former Liverpool, Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers striker, he succeeds Stephen Lally who quit following the recent FAI Carlsberg Cup second round defeat to rivals Athlone Town.

Cousins is particularly impressed with the structures and ambition at Galway and is relishing the prospect of developing that further.

Although there were many applications for the job, club chairman John Fallon concedes Cousins was the stand out candidate.

"He has all the skills and experience to take this club forward and he shares our ambition in restoring Galway United as one of the top clubs in the country," Fallon said.

After hanging up the boots, Cousins became Shamrock Rovers under-21 manager but was quickly snapped up by Drogheda where he played a telling role in the club's FAI and Setanta Cup successes as well as their impressive league run.

"Tony has been a dedicated and loyal member of the club over the last two years," reflected Drogheda boss Doolin.

"He brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table and certainly played his part in our recent success. Everybody here wishes Tony well in his new role."

The domestic league is currently on a short break owing to the World Cup and Cousins will use it to familiarise himself with his new squad ahead of their game away to Finn Harps on Saturday week.